Tips to improve your oral communication in French
Tips to students learning French to improve their oral communication in French.
Improving oral communication in French requires consistent practice and exposure. Here are Top ideas and advice for students learning French so that they can practice their French before coming to take a French immersion course in France, in an accredited ‘Qualité FLE’ (official French Quality Label) French language school:
Practice your oral communication in French in your country:
Join French Conversation Groups:
Participate in local French conversation groups. These provide a supportive environment for practicing spoken French with others who are also learning French.
Also find language exchange partners who speak French fluently. This allows for regular conversations where you can practice speaking and receive constructive feedback.
Attend French Language Cultural Events:
Attend French language meetups or cultural events to practice your oral communication in French. Contact the French Institute closest to you to request the schedule of exhibitions, conferences in French, screenings of French films, and ask them if they organize meetings and discussions in French on their premises. This not only exposes you to native speakers but also allows you to engage in real-life conversations about various topics.
Watch French Movies and TV Shows:
Regularly watch French movies, TV shows, or YouTube videos. This helps you get accustomed to the rhythm and intonation of spoken French and exposes you to different accents. On Youtube you can also start by watching fairly short film sequences which will give you an idea of the film and if you then wish to watch it in full. For example, we recommend that you watch extracts from several very famous French films:
-Greatest French Movies #2: Un Homme et Une Femme (1966)
–Tontons flingueurs: la scène de la cuisine
–La grande Vadrouille: L’nterrogatoire
–Répliques Cultes du Cinéma Français
–Répliques Cultes: Jean-Paul Belmondo
Listen to French Songs and Radio stations:
Tune in to French songs or radio stations. This exposes you to authentic spoken French and diverse vocabulary used in different contexts. You can of course order records, CDs or vinyls, but we also recommend that you start by listening to songs in French on Youtube so that you can then order the records of French artists that you like. As you will see, French song offers many varieties of style. We recommend listening for example:
–Serge Gainsbourg – La Javanaise (1968)
–Alain Bashung – La nuit je mens (Live officiel à l’Olympia 2008)
–Christophe – Les mots bleus (Live Officiel Olympia 2002)
–Léo Ferré – Avec le temps (enregistrement TSR, 1973)
Repeat and Imitate:
To practice your oral communication in French, listen to French songs, watch French films, and then repeat sentences, phrases, and dialogues after native speakers. Imitate their pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm to enhance your own oral skills. It is by listening, speaking and repeating over and over again that we progress. Above all, never be afraid of making mistakes, because it is by correcting your mistakes that you progress!
Read Aloud:
Read French books, articles, or news aloud. This not only improves your pronunciation but also helps with comprehension and fluidity in speaking. And again, never be afraid of making mistakes, because it is by correcting your mistakes that you progress!
Record Yourself Speaking:
A great Tip to to practice and improve your oral communication in French: Record yourself speaking in French and listen to the recordings. This allows you to identify areas for improvement, such as pronunciation or intonation.
Practice your French every day:
Read, listen and speak every day, even if it’s just for a short time. It is regular practice that will allow you to progress. Consistency is key to improving oral communication skills.
Then come to France and improve your French in France:
Take a French Course focused on oral communication:
Enrol in a French speaking course that focuses on oral communication. The schools selected and recommended by FRENCH-PARIS offer several French courses, intensive or semi-intensive, largely dedicated to oral communication. You can choose a French course at AZURLINGUA Nice, ALPADIA Lyon, CIA Antibes or ACCORD Paris. These French language schools are all FLE Quality accredited and you can also complete part of your course in one of these schools and follow another part of your course in a second school. The educational quality of these French schools allows you to follow a high-quality French course by visiting two or three French cities and regions.
For example, you can choose one of these courses:
–Oral Communication French Course
–French Oral Communication course
–French Oral Communication lessons
–French course combining oral communication and grammar
–Best French courses for adults (+16 y.o.)
Contact us and we will advise you on the course best suited to your needs.
Remember, the key to improvement is consistent practice and a willingness to make mistakes. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and enjoy the process of learning and communicating in French.
